DEF LEPPARD's Phil Collen Weighs in on the A.I. Music Revolution
In a recent fiery exchange on Argentina's Rock & Pop 95.9 FM, DEF LEPPARD's axe-slinger Phil Collen didn’t mince words about the encroaching realm of artificial intelligence in music. "It’s not just scary; it’s downright disappointing!" he declared, pointing to the unmistakable sound of A.I. generated tracks that have proliferated in genres like country and R&B. "You can hear it a mile away — and it’s not what we’re about!" The veteran of rock insists that the raw energy and soul of live performances remain untouchable, even amidst the digital wave.
Collen elaborated on the shift in live sound dynamics, revealing a fascinating tidbit: DEF LEPPARD has ditched traditional stage monitors in favor of in-ear systems, enhancing their vocal clarity like never before. "It’s a game changer; we actually hear ourselves now!" he exclaimed. Forget the rumbling chaos of yesteryear; this new setup has transformed how they deliver their iconic sound, allowing for a more precise and emotional connection with their audience, even when mistakes happen.
Despite his skepticism towards A.I., Collen acknowledges its omnipresence in modern society. "We all use it, often without even realizing it!" he stated, urging artists to remain vigilant. "While I love our current direction, it’s crucial to not let technology take the reins." His words echo a sentiment shared by many purists in the metal community, who fear that reliance on A.I. could dilute the essence of what makes rock music so visceral.
In case you missed it, DEF LEPPARD recently announced a monumental 2027 North American arena tour, hitting 45 cities alongside the Goo Goo Dolls and The Struts. Kicking off on March 2 in Allentown, PA, this epic journey will span coast to coast, culminating in a grand finale on July 2 in Indianapolis. The legendary band is also gearing up for their feature-length documentary, "Long Live Def Leppard," which promises an intimate look at their rise from Sheffield's underground to international superstardom.
As if that weren’t enough, the rock titans are not resting on their laurels. They are currently crafting the follow-up to their 2022 album "Diamond Star Halos," and fans are already buzzing about new tracks, including the recently released single "Rejoice." DEF LEPPARD is also making waves with their cover of Ben E. King’s classic “Stand By Me,” with all proceeds supporting fire relief efforts in Los Angeles. 2025 is shaping up to be a monumental year for the legends, who continue to blaze trails in an ever-evolving music landscape.